21
The second they were alone, Veronica looked at him with her heart on her sleeve and a silent prayer on her lips.
“I’m sorry,” Veronica whispered. “I’m sorry I didn’t trust you. I sorry I didn’t believe you. Can you forgive me?” She wanted to be in his arms again, to feel safe and loved, but she needed to feel certain that he wouldn’t push her away, even after that life-altering kiss they’d just shared.
Thad pulled her back into his arms. “You never had to ask,” he said. “I am and always will be yours.”
It was as though the weight of a century of pain had been lifted off her at that moment. She wasn’t sure how long they stood there in the stairwell, simply holding one another. Eventually she felt him chuckle.
“What?” she asked.
“I have a present for you, from my parents. That’s why
